Range Etiquette

Welcome to HW Gun Range and Training Center. We are glad you are showing an interest in the shooting sports and hope to see you out on the range soon. Here are a few tips to guarantee your next outing is enjoyable, AND safe!

Attire

Closed toed shoes are a must!

No low cut tops.

Pants must be secured around the waist. If undergarments are exposed you will be ask to leave!

Eye and Ear protection is required on all ranges at all times.

Know your Firearm

The range is an excellent place to practice, but a working knowledge of your firearm should be obtained prior to your first outing. (If you need help, inquire about a lesson)

Your class can be tailored to meet your specific needs with one of our certified instructors, and will not only increase your firearm proficiency, but will aid in making sure you are prepared at the range.

The range officer (RO) is your friend

Don’t be afraid to ask the RO for help or advice! Unanswered questions can compromise safety and enjoyment.

Our RO’s can easily be identified by their safety ORANGE shirts/vests or our senior RO’s in red shirts or vests.

Arrival

Firearms should be completely UNLOADED upon arrival

Firearms should remain unloaded until you are in a shooting station

Firearms should be inside a CASE or have a chamber FLAG inserted in the action when being transported from your vehicle to the range.

A firearm pointed in any direction other than downrange is, by definition, unsafe. Note that downrange means straight toward the target and not up or down in the general direction of the target.

Upon a cease-fire command, everyone on the firing line must stop shooting immediately!

During a cease fire, remove all ammunition and magazines from your firearm, insert your chamber flag, lay it on the shooting bench (keeping the muzzle pointed down range), and step away from the shooting bench.

Never handle a firearm during a cease-fire!

Malfunctions happen

Hopefully not on your first trip, but you will eventually experience a malfunction at the range. Before you come out to the range, make sure you know how to deal with various types of malfunctions calmly, sensibly, and above all safely. Call your RO to your bench if you have any question about the malfunction (but be sure not to compromise safety in doing so).

Always follow the range rules! Here are a few to get you started:

ALWAYS treat every firearm as if it were loaded

ALWAYS keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction

ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire

Always keep the firearm unloaded with the breech open until you are ready to use

Never use alcohol, over the counter/prescription drugs, or other drugs before or while shooting

Always check ammunition for compatibility with your firearm

Follow ALL range rules

For a complete list of individual range safety rules, please see the following links: